Frightened Former LulzSec Leader Skips Court Date

His impersonation charges dismissed, Sabu's still got troubles.

Well, there’s one thing former LulzSec ringleader Hector Xavier Monsegur, AKA Sabu, doesn’t have to worry about any more. The AP reports a judge has agreed to dismiss his impersonation case, contingent on six months of good behavior.

The impersonation charge is only indirectly related to Mr. Monsegur’s hacking. Asked for ID by a cop back in February, he allegedly told him, “Relax. I am a federal agent.” That, as it turns out, was a mistake, though only a misdemeanor.

Of course, there’s also the infinitely more serious matter of Mr. Monsegur’s federal charges, which are most definitely related to his hacking. When originally busted last June, his prospects looked pretty bleak: He was facing well over a century in prison. But rolling over on the rest of LulzSec should help at least a little.

But that cooperation does have its downside. The 28-year-old hacker-turned-snitcher wasn’t at his hearing to hear the good news, and his lawyer cited safety concerns to the court. And there are plenty of people who are none too pleased with Sabu: Five of his onetime compatriots still face justice. Apparently the threats are bad enough that federal prosecutors have discussed the possibility of the witness protection program.

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